AN ITALIAN ROCOCO GILTWOOD COMMODE
PROPERTY OF A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTOR (Lot 354)
AN ITALIAN ROCOCO GILTWOOD COMMODE

CIRCA 1760, POSSIBLY NEAPOLITAN

Details
AN ITALIAN ROCOCO GILTWOOD COMMODE
Circa 1760, possibly Neapolitan
The shaped associated Siena marble top above a conforming bombé case with two drawers with carved rocaille escutcheons, the sides with two carved paterae, the ground of the drawers and sides with an incised pattern of stars within cartouches, the drawers and sides framed in a scrolling vine-carving, the serpentine apron on slightly splayed legs
34½in. (87.6cm.) high, 31in. (78.7cm.) wide, 20in. (50.8cm.) deep
Provenance
Sold Sotheby's London, 15 December 1999, lot 143 ($67,000 including premium).

Lot Essay

The interesting gilt-gesso decoration on this commode, although largely unknown in the Neapolitan oeuvre, closely reflects the intricate designs often found on the tulipwood and kingwood veneered examples produced by the craftsmen of that area. The attribution to Neapolitan workshops can be further supported by the reminiscent bombé shape and the rocaille formed escutcheons which very much reflect the carving often found on mirror frames and console tables in the region.

Often deriving designs from other Italian principalities, the Neapolitan cabinet-makers in this instance may well have taken inspiration from gilded and intricately worked surfaces on commodes produced for the most wealthy Venetian patrons.

More from Important French and Continental Furniture, Works of Art,

View All
View All